Ring with expandable, separable self-contained shank



Jan. 23, 1962 M. MANNE El'AL 3,017,754

RING WITH EXPANDABLE, SEPARABLE SELF-CONTAINED SHANK Filed May 28, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.

Ill

c MOE MANNE.

HENRY RsoN Jan. 23, 1962 M. MANNE ETAL RING WITH EXPANDABLE, SEPARABLE SELF-CONTAINED SHANK Filed May 28, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 4.

INVENTOR.S MOE MANNE.

HENRY PETERSON AT'FDNEI'S Jan. 23,, 1962 M. MANNE ETAL 3,017,754

RING WITH EXPANDA'BLE, SEPARABLE SELF-CONTAINED SHANK Filed May 28. 1959 s Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS MOE MANNE HENRY PETERSON 3,017,754 Patented Jan. 23, 1962 ice 3,017,754 RDIG WITH EXPANDABLE, SEPARABLE SELF -CONTAINED SHANK Moe Manne, 220 Central Ave., Lawrence, N.Y., and Henry Peterson, 160 Central Park S., New York, N.Y. Filed May 28, 1959, Ser. No. 816,589 6 Claims. (Cl. 6315.45)

The present invention relates generally to ornamental rings and their manufacture, and in particular to an improved expandible ring shank and ring incorporating such shank which find useful application in the manufacture of Wedding bands, engagement rings and ornamental or cocktail rings. This is a continuation-in-part of our earlier filed application Serial No. 783,277, filed December 29, 1958, and entitled Finger Ring and Method, now abandoned.

In US. Patent No. 2,806,363 of September 17, 1957, there is disclosed an improved adjustable finger ring which includes an annulus of ring sections interconnected for limited movement relative to each other such that the finger ring may be adjusted over a range of sizes. An annular spring is assembled within the ring and provides uniformly distributed tension to urge the ring sections into the position corresponding to the smallest ring size, with the ring being capable of expanding to pass over a prominent knuckle and adjusting to conform to the size of the finger of the wearer.

Broadly it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved finger ring of the aforesaid general construction.

Ornamental finger rings may be generally characterized into two general types, 'a first suitable for use as a wedding band incorporating a number of spaced stones and/ or designs about its annular extent with the band being substantially uniform in size throughout its annular extent and a second suitable for use as an engagement, ornament or cocktail ring incorporating an enlarged and elongated ring head or setting section joined to a ring shank which cooperates with the ring head to complete the ring body. Although the adjustable ring disclosed in the mentioned patent finds application in the construction of both types of rings, further characteristics are desirable to make possible the mass production manufacture at comparatively low unit cost of rings of the second type. In such rings, a latitude of modification and change in the design configuration and ornamentation of the ring head or setting section is required, but the shank thereof which completes the ring body is essentially the same from ring to ring. Preferably the construction of the expandible ring should be such as to enable the manufacture of several expandible ring shanks each capable of covering a different range over the overall siZe adjustment range required, with the facility to assemble the appropriate eX- pandible ring shank to a ring head or setting section of a particular design, configuration and ornamentation. Such adaptability of course must be achieved by a construction which is compatible with the overriding requirement of minimizing the possibility of loss of the ring incident to breaking or accidental disengagement of any one of the component parts thereof.

Accordingly, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an expandible n'ng shank which may be assembled to a ring head or setting section to complete an annular ring body. Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the present invention to provide improved means for assembling an expandible ring shank to a ring head on a mass production basis with the facility to readily adapt a ring head having a particular ornamentation into a ring incorporating the expansion feature.

In accordance with this apsect of the invention, an expandible rink shank is provided for attachment to a ring head which comprises an elongated curved shank section and first and second connecting sections extending from the opposite ends of the shank sections. Each of the connecting sections includes at least a pair of slidably interconnected links with means slidably connecting one line of the pair to the adjacent end of the shank section and with means provided at the other link of the pair for securing the expandible shank to the ring head. Respective springs extend through the link pairs and are connected under tension to the shank section, with the shank and first and second sections cooperating to provide a selfcontained expandible ring shank. As a feature of the invention, the expandible ring shank is joined to the setting section by pivotally interconnecting one end of the expandible shank to one end of the head section such that the shank and head section may he moved into a relative position to define the angular ring body, with provision for locking or securing the other end of the head section to the adjacent end of the ring shank to complete the assembly.

In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, an improved arrangement is provided for anchoring the spring incorporated into the expandible ring shank to the curved shank section which means include an oversized ball received within a seat under a force or snap fit such that an underlying end portion of the spring is attached to the curved shank section.

Many advantages are realized in accordance with the present invention, including without limitation the facility to adapt various ring heads or setting sections to include an expandible ring shank, the ability for mass production manufacture at comparatively low unit cost with the use of ordinary tools, and the capability for ready replacement of any one of the component parts thereof.

The above brief description, as Well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will he more fully appreciated by the reference to the following detailed description to a presently preferred but illustrative embodiment of ring shank and a ring incorporating such shank, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an expandible finger ring embodying features of the present invention, shown for the purpose of illustration with links on opposite sides of the ring expanded relative to each other;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective View, on an enlarged scale and with parts of the ring shank and head broken away, showing in succession from top to bottom an end or adapted section of the ring head, a first intermediate or connecting link, a second intermediate or connecting link and one end of the curved shank section, which components are assembled to complete one side of the ring illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view showing a completed expandible ring shank in accordance with the present invention, partially assembled with a ring head or set-ting section;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section, showing the ring sections of FIG. 2 in position for assembly with each other with the spring threaded through the several sections preparatory to completing one half of the expandible ring shank;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through the ring sections showing the completed assembly at one side of the expandible ring shank, with the ring shank having a pivot at its end partially engaged in an accommodating slot or guideway on the adjacent adapter end or section of the ring head;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 5 but showing one end of the expandible ring shank assembled with the adjacent end of the ring head; and.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary'section showing the assem bly of the opposite end of the expandible ring shank with the opposite end of the ring head.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 an expandible multiple-section finger ring, constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 which finger ring includes a curved ring head or setting section 12 and a curved expandible ring shank 14, together making up the annular ring body. The ring head or setting section 12 terminates at its opposite ends in adapter sections 16, 18 which are shown here for the sake of simplicity as being integral but which may be constructed and joined to the ring head or setting section 12 as disclosed in our copending application Serial No. 783,- 277, filed December 29, 1958, and entitled Improved Finger Ring and Method, and now abandoned.

As seen best in FIGS. 2, S and 6 the adapted section 16 includes a longitudinally-extending base wall 16a having a curved inner face which partially defines the inner peripheral surfaces of the ring 10 and an upstanding intermediate wall 16b terminating in a curved outer face serving as part of the outer peripheral surfaces of the ring. The base wall 16a serves as a circumferentiallyextending connecting part, with a further circumferentially-extending connecting part 16c projecting from the intermediate wall 16b in the same direction as the con necting part 16a. The connecting part 16c is disposed at a location radially inwardly of the outer periphery or surface of the head section with the parts 16a, 16c cooperating to define a slot or seat 16d which is opened at its opposite sides. The connecting part 16a carries a projection 162 which is chamfered along with the adjacent forward end of the connecting part 16c to define an entry passageway 16 leading into the slot or seat 16d. As will be more fully appreciated hereinafter, a pivot pin or bar may be inserted through the entry passageway 16f to be seated within the slot or seat 16d (see FIG. and when the ring shank and ring head are brought into the requisite orientation relative to each other the projec tion 16:: integral with the connecting part 16a blocks the withdrawal of such pivot pin or bar from the seat 16d.

The expandible ring shank 14 includes an elongated curved shank section 20 which is .disposed opposite the head or setting section 12 and connecting sections each including a pair of slidably interconnected links 22, 22' and 24, 24- with one connecting section being interconnected between the adapter section 16 of the setting section 12 and the adjacent end of the shank section 20 and with the other connecting section being connected between the adapter section 18 and the opposite end of the shank section 20. Each of the connecting sections includes the first intermediate or connecting link 22, and the second intermediate or connecting link 24 and accordingly it is necessary herein to describe only the construction of one connecting section, with the understanding that this description applies to the symmetrically arranged other connecting section. A first spring 26 extends through the first connecting section and is connected under tension between the link section 22 and the shank section 20, while a second spring 26' extends through the second connecting sec-tion and is connected under tension between the link section 22 and the shank section 20. The shank section 20 and the respective connecting sections 22, 24 and 22, 24' co-operate to provide the expandible ring shank 14 adjustable over a range of sizes. The springs 26, 26 serve to bias the ring shank 14 into a prescribed ring size within the range of adjustment. In a typical practical embodiment, the ring shank 14 may be adjustable over a range of approximately two sizes, for example between sizes 4 and 6, such that the ring may be worn on a finger within said range of sizes with comfort and proper fitting of the ring to the finger.

The first intermediate connecting link section 22 which is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal center plane, includes a longitudinally-extending top wall 22a having an outer or top face partially defining outer peripheral surfaces of the ring, a transversely-extending intermediate Wall 2212, depending side walls 22c, 22d, an opposed pair of pins or lugs 22c, 22] projecting inwardly of the side Walls 22c, 22d contiguous to one end thereof, and a pivot pin or bar 22g at the opposite end thereof extending between the side walls. The top walls 22a, side walls 22c, 22d and pin 22g cooperate to define a guideway or slot 22h which leads toward a through spring-receiving bore 22i provided in the intermediate transverse wall 22b of the link. The slot or guideway 2211 is spaced in relation to the top face of the link 22 such that when the connecting part is accommodated in the slot or guideway 221', the respective outer faces of the adjacent sections 16, 22 provide substantial continuations of each other whereby the outer periphery of this annular portion of the ring is substantially uninterrupted, except for the discontinuity presented by the adjacent edges of the contiguous sections. As seen best in FIG. 6, the projection 162 on the adapter section 16 is accommodated in the space behind the pivot bar or pin 22g which space is bounded at one end by the bar and at the opposite end by the adjacent face of the intermediate wall 22b. The space is of a length in relation to the longitudinal extent of the projection 16e such that there is substantially no capacity for longitudinal displacement between the sections 16, 22 when interconnected, with the projection 16e being abutted at its forward end face by the adjacent face of the intermediate wall 22b and at its inner face by the adjacent face of the bar 22g. On the other hand, the pins 22c, 22 are spaced from the intermediate wall 2% in an amount sufficient to enable the slidable adjustment of the first intermediate connecting link section 22 and the second intermediate connecting link section 24 when assembled, as will subsequently be described. The pair of pins or ears 22e, 22f terminate short of the central path along which the spring 26 is to be assembled, which spring is threaded through the bore 220 and a further bore 240 provided in the link section 24, the construction of which will now be described.

The second intermediate connecting link section 24 is symmetrical about longitudinal and transverse center planes and is adapted to provide a slidable interconnection at one of its ends to the adjacent end of the link section 22 and a further slidable interconnection at the other of its ends to the adjacent end of the elongated shank section 26. The link section 24 includes a longitudinally-extending base wall 24a which partially defines the inner peripheral surface of the ring, and a transversely-extending intermediate wall 24b which has an outer face partially defining outer peripheral surfaces of the ring and adapted to provide a substantial continuation of the outer faces or surfaces of the sections 16, 22. The base wall 24a includes longitudinally-extending connecting parts 24c, 24d projecting in opposite directions from the transversely-extending intermediate wall 24b. Further longitudinally-extending connecting parts 24c, 24 project in opposite directions from the intermediate wall 24!; at a location inwardly of the outer face of the intermediate link section 24. The opposed connecting parts 240, 24a define a slot or guideway 24g which extends in one direction from the intermediate wall 24!; which slot is open at its end and its opposite sides, while the opposed connecting parts 24d, 24 define a further slot or guideway 24h extending in the opposite direction from the intermediate wall 24b, which slot is open at its end and opposite sides. The intermediate wall 24b is provided with the spring receiving bore 24c through which the spring 26 passes as it is extended along the longitudinal median line or path of the respective sections when the ring is assembled. At least one of the parts 240, 24a is provided with a projection which is deformable toward the other of the parts to close the slot or guideway 24g whereby a pin and slot interconnection may be provided between the links 22, 24 when the pins 22a, 22 are received within the slot or guideway 24g. In this illustrative embodiment the connecting part 240 of the base wall 24a is provided with a pair of projections or ears 24i, 24k which are dis posed at opposite sides of the longitudinal median path of the spring 26 and are separated by a semi-circular cutout 24e which permits the free and unobstructed passage of the spring 26 between the projections 24 24k. In a similar fashion the connecting part 24d of the base wall is provided with side by side spaced projections 24m, 24% which are separated from each other by a curved cutout 24p. When the; sections 22, 24 are assembled with each other, the connecting part 24c is accommodated within the slot or guideway defined by the top wall 22a, the side walls 22c, 22d and the pins 22e, 22 of the section 22, with the projections 24 24k being disposed respectively behind the pins or ears 22c, 22 As previously pointed out, the spacing of the pins 222, 22f in relation to the intermediate wall 22b is such as to permit the longitudinal displacement of the links 22, 24 relative to each other in a necessary amount which is established by the overall design of the ring, taking into account the range of size adjustment for which the ring is to be suitable.

The terminal portion of the elongated shank section 26 includes a longitudinally-extending top wall 20a having an outer face partially defining outer periphery surfaces of the ring, a main intermediate body 20b, depending side walls Ztic, Ztid and pins 262, 20 projecting inwardly of the side walls 29c, 20d and terminating short of the longitudinal median path of the spring 26. The top wall 20a, the side walls 26c, 20d and the pins 201:, 20 define a slot or guideway Ztig which is adapted to receive the connecting part 24 of the adjacent section 24. The slot or guideway 20g is disposed such that the outer face of the shank section 20 provides a substantial continuation of the outer face of the adjacent section 24. The end face of the body 26b facing toward the slot or guideway 20g is formed with a terminal socket 2011 for the spring 26, with the inner periphery of the ring being formed with a substantially circular seating bore 263i extending transversely of the socket 26th and in communication therewith which is adapted to receive an anchoring ball as will subsequently be described. In the assembly of the intermediate connecting link section 24 to the shank section 20, the projections 24m, 2411 are disposed in the space behind the pins or ears 262, Ztif and the adjacent face of the shank body 2% such as to provide a slidable interconnection between the sections 20, 24.

In order to anchor one end of the spring 26 there is accommodated within the substantially circular seating bore 201 of the curved shank section 24 an anchoring ball 28 which is over-sized in relation to the seating bore 201' such that the anchoring ball is force or snap fitted into the bore to deformably engage the adjacent end of the spring 26 which is received within the terminal socket 2%. After snap engagement of the anchoring ball 28 into the accommodating seating 261, the inner periphery of the rihg may be finished by filing or polishing a flat on the ball such that the ball provides a substantial continuation of such inner periphery of the ring.

The spring 26 is anchored at its opposite end under tension by provision of an anchoring pin 3t which is received within a transversely-extending pin bore 22 provided in the wall 221) and intersecting the spring bore 22i. The anchoring pin 34 engages one or more turns of the spring 26 at the location where the spring passes through the bore 221 and provides for the securement of the spring under tension to the intermediate connecting link section 22.

In a similar fashion the first and second intermediate link sections 22', 24' are extensibly joined to the opposite end of the curved shank section 20 and the spring 26 is connected under tension between the shank sec- 6 tion 20 and the link section 22. The sections 22, 24, 20 and 24', 22' with their respective springs 26, 26' provide the self-contained expandible ring shank 14 which is assembled to the ring head or setting section 12 as will now be described.

As previously described, the pivot bar 22g of the link section 22 is receivable within the entry passageway 16 leading to the slot 16d of the adapter section 16 when the ring shank 14 and the ring head 12 are oriented as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Once the pivot pin 22g is received within the slot 16d, as seen in FIG. 6, the ring shank 14 and the ring head 12 are swung into the assembled position as shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7 wherein the pivot bar or pin 22g is held against withdrawal from the slot 16d by the projection 16:: and the locking bar or pin 22g of the link section 22' is received within the slot 18d of the adapter section 18 intermediate the connecting parts 18a, 18c. The adapter section 18 is identical to the adapter section 16 except that there is no component corresponding to the projection 162 and there is no angularly disposed entry passage corresponding to the passage 16 With the ring shank 14 pivotally engaged with the ring head 12 as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to swing the components 12, 14 into the assembled relation wherein the locking bar 22g is received within the slot 18d.

Thereupon the ring shank 14 is secured to the ring head by a rigid, but releasable, interconnection between the adapter section 18 and the adjacent link section 22'. This is accomplished by the provision of a threaded assembly screw 32 which is received within a threaded locking screw accommodating bore 13a which extends through the connecting parts 18a, 18c such that the locking screw 32 may be engaged in a position to secure the locking bar 22g within the seat 18d and to preclude movement between the adapter section 18 and the adjacent link section 22'.

A typical sequence of assembly steps will now be described to facilitate a more thorough understanding of the present invention.

Initially the expandible shank 14 is assembled by connecting together the curved shank section 20, the link sections 22, 24, 22', 24' and the respective springs 26, 26'. Specifically the terminal portion of the spring 26 is placed within the terminal socket 24th on the elongated shank section Zti and the anchoring ball 28 is inserted in the circular seating bore 201 to firmly secure the spring 26 to the shank section Zii, as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 4 and 5. Thereupon the intermediate link sections 24, 22 are assembled over the spring 26, with the spring being threaded through the aligned openings 224i, 221 between the respective lugs and pins. It will be appreciated that the several openings and cut-outs cooperate to define a medially disposed circumferentially extending guideway for the spring 26. It has been found most convenient to thread the sections 24, 22 over the spring while unassembled, but it will be appreciated that the sections 24, 22 may be linked together prior to insertion of the spring therethrough. The connecting part of the section 24 adjacent the shank section 20 is slidably linked thereto by insertion of the connecting part 24 into the slot or guideway 26g which brings the projections 24m, 24m to a position behind the pins or lugs Ztie, 26f. In the initial formation of the section 24, sufficient clearance space is provided between the lower terminal faces of the projections 24m, Mn and the longitudinally extending connecting part 24 to enable the assembly of the sections 24, 2th as described. Thereupon the connecting part 24d and the projections 24m, 2411 are deformed into the final assembled position as shown in FIG. 5. If sections 24, 22 have not been assembled in a preliminary operation, these sections are slidably interlinked by inserting the connecting part 24e into the adjacent slot or guideway of the section 22 and deforming the projections 24j, 24k to a position behind the pins or lugs 22e, 22 the final assembled position being shown in FIG. 5. The spring 26 is then placed under the requisite tension, as by pulling on the end portion thereof which projects beyond the section 22 as seen in FIG. 4, and the anchoring pin 30 is driven into the accommodating bore 22 to spread the turns of the spring 26 and to complete the connection of the spring under tension between the shank section and the link section 22. A similar series of assembly operations is followed at the opposite side of the ring to complete the expandible ring shank 14 which is then appropriately polished and finished in accordance with techniques which are generally understood. Thereupon the pivot bar or pin 22g of the section 22 is inserted through the entry slot 16) into the seat 16d (see FIG. and the sections 12, 22 are brought into the required orientation (see FIG. 6) such that the withdrawal of the pivot pin or bar 22g from the slot 16d is precluded by the projection 16a. As the expandible ring shank 14 and the ring head or setting section 12 are brought into the requisite orientation, the locking bar 22g is received within the slot 18d (see FIG. 7), thereupon the locking screw 32 is threaded into the tapped hole 182 to the position illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the screw bridges the slot 18d and precludes the removal of the locking bar 22g from the slot 18d to complete the assembly of the ring as shown in FIG. 1.

At such time as the expandible ring shank 14 is to be separated from the setting section 12, it is but a simple matter to remove the locking screw 32 and swing the ring shank to a position wherein the pivot bar 22g may be withdrawn from its accommodating slot. In the event that the spring breaks or requires replacement it is likewise a relatively simple matter to disengage the anchoring ball 28 from the seating bore 25 by placing a tool beneath the ball and urging the same upwardly; and in a similar fashion the anchoring pin 30 may be engaged and withdrawn from the bore 22 When the expandible ring shank 14 is assembled intermediate the opposed shoulders 16, 18 of the ring head or setting section 12, the respective connections between the first connecting links 22, 22 and the shoulders 16, 18, provide an elongated, non-expandible head segment for the annulus which includes the connected ring head 12 and the adjacent first connecting links 22, 22. This non-expandible head segment 12, 22, 22 extends for substantially 180 of the annulus, and expansion and contraction of the annulus will occur at opposite sides of the ring between the respective pairs of slidably interconnected links 22, 24 and 22, 24 and at locations lying between the fingers of the wearer and hidden from view. It will be appreciated that for the several expandible ring shanks which cover the overall size adjustment range for rings constructed in accordance with the present invention, the elongated, non-expandible head segment 12, 22, 22 may be of a greater or lesser annular extent than 180 and yet provide for expansion and contraction which is hidden from view. Accordingly, it is intended that the recitation of an elongated non-expandible head segment which extends substantially 180 of the annulus, and comparable expressions in the claims, should be afforded an interpretation to cover a reasonable range of variation in the annular extent of such non-expandible head segment.

The several sections of the ring are shown in the drawing on a somewhat enlarged scale and accordingly it will be appreciated that a reasonable amount of precision must be employed in the manufacture of the components to assure proper interfitting with the necessary clearances to assure smooth operations. The several sections or components may be formed by casting or by the use of tools or dies in accordance with the procedures which are Well known in the jewelry industry. By a proper degree of control in the initial casting or forming operation and with the usual polishing and other processing steps common to the manufacture of finger rings, it is possible to complete a finger ring, which except for the breaks between adjacent sections, will have the appearance of a one piece construction yet incorporate the expansion feature. The entire assembly operation may be achieved in relatively short order by comparatively unskilled workers and with the use of ordinary tools. Apart from the threading of the respective springs the entire assembly operation may be completed with a plier or similar tools. At such times as it becomes necessary to service the ring, it is a relatively simple matter to disassemble the ring shank and ring head to make the necessary repairs and/or replacement.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

What we claim:

1. An improved finger ring comprising a ring head, a ring shank including at least a shank section, a first curved connecting section extending from one end of said shank section and providing a continuation thereof, a second curved connecting section extending from the other end of said shank section and providing a continuation thereof, means adjustably connecting said one end of said shank section to the adjacent end of said first connecting section, means adjustably connecting the other end of said shank section to the adjacent end of said second connecting section, a first spring extending through said first connecting section and connected under tension between said one end of said shank section and the other end of said first connecting section, a second spring extending through said second connecting section and connected between said other end of said shank section and the other end of said second connecting section, said connecting sections each including at least one pair of slidably interconnected links, said sections and said springs cooperating to provide a self-contained expandible shank having a substantially continuous outer periphery and adjustable over a range of sizes from a retracted position to various extended positions, said first and second springs normally biasing said shank into said retracted position independently of said ring head, said shank when in assembled relation intermediate the ends of said ring head forming an annulus adjustable over said range of sizes, said shank section and said ring head being substantially opposite each other in said annulus and said connecting sections being substantially opposite each other in said annulus, and coacting means on each end of said ring head and the adjacent other ends of said connecting sections for releasably securing said shank to said ring head without deformation of said shank and ring head such that said shank may be readily removed for replacement by a further shank, said coacting means providing connections between said ring head and said other ends of said first and second connecting sections such that said ring head together with the adjacent connected links of said first and second connecting sections provides an elongated non-expandible head segment for said annulus which extends substantially thereof, expansion and contraction of said annulus occurring between the respective slidably interconnected links of said first and second connecting sections and at the opposite ends of said elongated head segment.

2. An improved finger ring according to claim 1 wherein said shank section is formed at said one end with a first elongated socket and at said other end with a second elongated socket, said shank section further being formed at said one end with a first substantially circular seating bore extending transversely of said first socket and in communication therewith and at said other end with a second substantially circular seating bore extending transversely of said second socket and in communication therewith, an end portion of said first spring being received within said first socket and an end portion of said second 9 spring being received within said second socket, and first and second anchoring balls each of a diameter in excess of the respective seating bores and force fitted therein, said anchoring balls being in contact with the adjacent end portions of said first and second springs for securing same to said shank section.

3. An improved finger ring comprising a ring head, a ring shank including at least a shank section, a first curved connecting section extending from one end of said shank section and providing a continuation thereof, a second curved connecting section extending from the other end of said shank section and providing a continuation thereof,

means adjustably connecting said one end of said shank section to the adjacent end of said first connecting section, means adjustably connecting the other end of said shank section to the adjacent end of said second connecting section, a first spring extending through said first connecting section and connected under tension between said one end of said shank section and the other end of said first connecting section, a second spring extending through said second connecting section and connected between said other end of said shank section and the other end of said second connecting section, said connecting sections each including at least one pair of slidably interconnected links, said sections and said springs cooperating to provide a self-contained expandible shank having a substantially continuous outer periphery and adjustable over a range of sizes from a retracted position to various extended positions, said first and second springs normally biasing said shank into said retracted position independently of said ring head, said shank when in assembled relation intermediate the ends of said ring head forming an annulus adjustable over said range of sizes, said shank section and said ring head being substantially opposite each other in said annulus and said connecting sections being substantially opposite each other in said annulus, and coacting means on each end of said ring head and the adjacent other ends of said connecting sections for releasably securing said shank to said ring head without deformation of said shank and ring head such that said shank may be readily removed for replacement by a further shank, said coacting means including a seat, a locking bar received within said seat, and means for blocking withdrawal of said locking bar from within said seat, said coacting means providing connections between said ring head and said other ends of said first and second connecting sections such that said ring head together with the adjacent connected links of said first and second connecting sections provides an elongated non-expandible head segment for said annulus which extends substantially 180 thereof, expansion and contraction of said annulus occurring between the respective slidably interconnected links of said first and second connecting sections and at the opposite ends of said elongated head segment.

4. An improved finger ring comprising a ring head, a ring shank including at least a shank section, a first curved connecting section extending from one end of said shank section and providing a continuation thereof, a second curved connecting section extending from the other end of said shank section and providing a continuation thereof, means adjustably connecting said one end of said shank section to the adjacent end of said first connecting section, means adjustably connecting the other end of said shank section to the adjacent end of said second connecting section, a first spring extending through said first connecting section and connected under tension between said one end of said shank section and the other end of said first connecting section, a second spring extending through said second connecting section and connected between said other end of said shank section and the other end of said second connecting section, said connecting sections each including at least one pair of slidably interconnected links, said sections and said springs cooperating to provide a self-contained expansible shank having a substantially continuous outer periphery and adjustable over a range of sizes from a retracted position to various extended positions, said first and second springs normally biasing said shank into said retracted position independently of said ring head, said shank when in assembled relation intermediate the ends of said ring head forming an annulus adjustable over said range of sizes, said shank section and said ring head being substantially opposite each other in said annulus and said connecting sections being sub stantially opposite each other in said annulus, and coacting means on each end of said ring head and the adjacent other ends of said connecting sections for releasably securing said shank to said ring head without deformation of said shank and ring head such that said shank may be readily removed for replacement by a further shank, said coacting means including at least spaced apart circumferentially extending connecting parts on one end of said ring head defining a seat therebetween, a complementary locking bar on the end of the adjacent connecting section received within said seat, and a locking screw tapped into said connecting parts and bridging said seat for securing said locking bar therein, said coacting means providing connections between said ring head and said other ends of said first and second connecting sections such that said ring head together with the adjacent connected links of said first and second connecting sections provides an elongated non-expandible head segment for said annulus which extends substantially thereof, expansion and contraction of said annulus occurring between the respective slidably interconnected links of said first and second connecting sections and at the opposite ends of said elongated head segment.

5. An improved finger ring comprising a ring head, a ring shank including at least a shank section, a first curved connecting section extending from one end of said shank section and providing a continuation thereof, a second curved connecting section extending from the other end of said shank section and providing a continuation thereof, said connecting sections each including first and second slidably interconnected links, means adjustably connecting said one end of said shank section to said first link of said first connecting section, means adjustably connecting the other end of said shank section to said first link of said second connecting section, a first spring extending through said first connecting section and connected under tension between said one end of said shank section and said second link of said first connecting section, a second spring extending through said second connecting section and connected between said other end of said shank section and said second link of said second connecting section, said sections and said spring cooperating to provide a selfcontained expandible shank having a substantially continuous outer periphery and adjustable over a range of sizes from a retracted position to various extended positions, said first and second spring normally biasing said shank into said retracted position independently of said ring head, said shank when in assembled relation intermediate the ends of said ring head forming an annulus adjustable over said range of sizes, said shank section and said ring head being substantially opposite each other in said annulus and said connecting sections being substantially opposite each other in said annulus, and coacting means on each end of said ring head and the respective second links of said connecting sections for releasably securing said shank to said ring head without deformation of said shank and ring head such that said shank may be readily removed for replacement by a further shank, said coacting means including a removable locking screw on at least one end of said ring head engaging the adjacent second link of said shank, said coacting means providing connections between said ring head and said other ends of said first and second connecting sections such that said ring head together with the adjacent connected links of said first and second connecting sections provides an elongated non-expandible head segment for said annulus which extends substantially 180 thereof, expansion and contrac- 1 1 tion of said annulus occurring between the respective slidably interconnected links of said first and second connecting sections and at the opposite ends of said elongated head segment.

6. In a multiple-section expandible finger ring, a setting section, first and second adapter sections on the ends of said setting section and each including opposed longitudinally extending parts defining a slot having an entry end, one of said parts of said first adapter section having a projection providing an entry passage disposed at an angle to said slot and in communication therewith, an elongated shank section, a first connecting section having a pivot at one end thereof inserted through said entry passage and disposed within the slot of said first adapter section, said passage having a width greater than the thickness of said pivot transversely of the ring and less than the thickness of said pivot longitudinally of the ring, means expandably connecting the other end of said first connecting section to one end of the said shank section, a second connecting section having a lock bar at one end thereof disposed within the slot of said second adapter section, and a locking screw tapped into said second adapter secton bridging the slot thereof to secure said locking bar therein, means connecting the other of said second connecting section to the other end of said shank section, the connecting means interconnecting said first connecting section, said shank section, said second connecting section and said second adapter section being constructed and arranged to limit angular movement between said first adapter section and said first connecting section to an angle less than the angle of said passage.

References Qited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,079,489 Higham NOV. 25, 1913 1,158,900 Depollier Nov. 2, 1915 1,520,186 Kestenman Dec. 23, 1924 2,163,220 Schmitz June 20, 1939 2,302,426 Domler Nov. 17, 1942 2,806,363 Manne Sept. 17, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 13,174 Great Britain June 6, 1913 26,731 Great Britain Nov. 20, 1913 906,864 Germany Mar. 18, 1954 

